Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024

Badge for BEST IN MAINE GRADUATE SCHOOLS

By Dr. James Barham

Published: Mar 26, 2021
Updated: Jul 30, 2024

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Maine offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Top Grad Schools in Maine 2024

University of Maine

Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Psychology, and Earth Sciences

University of Southern Maine

Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Anthropology, and Biology

University of New England

Most Popular Degrees: Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Social Work

Table of Contents

There are 3 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Maine. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Maine is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024

#1
University of Maine
Orono , ME
#1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine
Cost of Degree: $12,136
Expenses: $15,320
Starting Salary: $48,300
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
As a Carnegie R1 institution, the University of Maine is known for its strong research programs, particularly in the areas of marine science, forestry, and engineering. The university boasts of modern facilities, various industry partnerships, and a strong alumni network.
What we love about the University of Maine:
The university’s Office of Research Compliance ensures that all research activities are reviewed and meet ethical standards.
The University of Maine is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a comprehensive Master’s in Wildlife Conservation.
The University of Maine might not be the best fit for students who:
Would like more career counseling.
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#2
University of Southern Maine
Portland , ME
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1109/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Maine
Cost of Degree: $10,100
Expenses: $14,784
Starting Salary: $44,400
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Aside from offering top-notch graduate curriculums, the University of Southern Maine supports its graduate students through a wide range of services, including personalized academic advising and mental health resources. The school maintains a supportive environment through its experienced faculty and volunteer student mentors.
What we love about the University of Southern Maine:
Through the Graduate Student Professional Development Fund, graduate students may apply for financial assistance for research training, conference fees, and speaker honorarium.
The University of Southern Maine is ideal for students who:
Would like to earn a graduate certificate in cybersecurity.
The University of Southern Maine might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer more online graduate study choices.
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#3
University of New England
Biddeford , ME
#2 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Maine 2024 #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
59%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at University of New England
Cost of Degree: $40,950
Expenses: $20,250
Starting Salary: $51,000
Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Known for its health programs, the University of New England emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning through its research initiatives. Graduate students get to participate in research fieldwork, skills training, and outreach projects.
What we love about the University of New England:
Recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the Doctor of Pharmacy program allows students to specialize in areas like Veterinary Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The University of New England is ideal for students who:
Are looking for flexible tuition payment plans.
The University of New England might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer lower tuition costs.
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Build your own college ranking

Maine’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

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